Capacitive Grip Sensor Layout Without Exposed Wires or Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grip sensors face issues such as exposed wires, requirement for surface deformation, specific hand placement, and sensitivity to topcoat application, limiting their robustness and versatility in applications like barbell and dumbbell spotting.
Innovation Solution
The development of robust capacitive grip sensors with a substrate coated with non-conductive layers and embedded conductive strands, where the conductive strands are coupled to processors to detect capacitance without requiring surface deformation, allowing for efficient grip presence measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional grip sensors use exposed wires along the circumference, then electrical connection is achieved, but reliability and safety deteriorate due to exposed conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds conductive elements within a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) that is integrated into the grip sensor structure. The FPC serves as both the structural substrate and the electrical connection medium, eliminating exposed wires while maintaining electrical connectivity. This flexible circuit board can be conformally attached to the grip surface, providing reliable electrical connections without external wire exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive traces and electrical connections are nested within the layers of the FPC and grip sensor assembly. The FPC is embedded within or attached to the grip structure, with conductive elements hidden within the circuit board layers rather than exposed on the surface. This nesting approach maintains electrical functionality while improving safety and reliability by eliminating exposed conductors.
2Ease of operation
If grip sensors require surface deformation to register an event, then pressure detection is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited grip positions
Solution Approach 1:
The grip sensor is divided into multiple discrete capacitive sensing zones or elements distributed across the grip surface. Each zone can independently detect changes in capacitance caused by finger placement or grip pressure. This segmentation allows the sensor to detect grip events across multiple positions without requiring uniform surface deformation, enabling more flexible and natural gripping while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure detection (which requires physical deformation) with capacitive sensing that detects changes in electrical capacitance. Capacitive sensors can detect the presence and position of conductive objects (such as human fingers) through changes in electrical field, without requiring mechanical deformation of the grip surface. This substitution enables detection of various grip positions and pressures while maintaining ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If sensor elements are sufficiently delicate, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to limited topcoat application
Solution Approach 1:
The FPC serves as a protective encapsulation for the delicate conductive traces and sensing elements. The flexible circuit board provides mechanical support and protection to the sensitive electrical components during manufacturing and assembly. This protective structure allows for more flexible topcoat application and assembly processes without compromising the delicate sensor elements, as the FPC already provides a degree of environmental protection and mechanical support.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables reliable and versatile grip sensing without deformation, enhancing sensitivity and durability, suitable for various applications including barbell and dumbbell spotting, and adaptable for single or two-handed grips.
Implementation Method 1
robust capacitive grip sensors... conductive strands are coupled to processors to detect capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide robust capacitive grip sensors that may be used in a variety of applications, including single-handed and double-handed grips, such as but not limited to barbells. Apparatus as disclosed herein and efficiently measure the presence of a human grip without requiring deformation of a gripped surface area.